To freeze strawberries properly and enjoy them year-round, follow these steps: 1. Prepare the strawberries:
- Select ripe, fresh strawberries.
- Rinse them gently under cold running water without soaking to avoid waterlogging.
- Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Remove the green stems (hull the strawberries).
- Slice, halve, or quarter the strawberries if desired, depending on how you plan to use them later (sliced strawberries freeze and thaw more easily for smoothies, jams, or baking)
2. Flash-freeze the strawberries:
- Arrange the prepared strawberries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Make sure the berries are not touching to prevent them from sticking together.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze for 2 to 3 hours or until the strawberries are firm and frozen solid
3. Store the frozen strawberries:
- Transfer the frozen strawberries from the baking sheet into airtight freezer bags or containers.
- Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Seal the bags or containers tightly and label them with the date.
- Store in the coldest part of the freezer, avoiding the door to minimize temperature fluctuations
Additional tips:
- You can freeze strawberries whole if you prefer, but slicing them before freezing makes them easier to use later.
- For making jams, you can sugar-pack the strawberries by mixing them with sugar before freezing to create syrup
- Frozen strawberries are best used within 6 to 12 months for optimal flavor and texture
This method preserves the strawberries' sweetness and quality, making them perfect for smoothies, desserts, sauces, and other recipes throughout the year.
